This thesis proposes an epistemological analysis of the creative power of natural
selection. The aim will be to determine to what extent it is legitimate or not to give to this
selection such power. To do this, we will have to know if the selectionist explanation can
answer the question of the origin of structural forms of life. In the first chapter, we will see
the reasoning leading Darwin to give a creative power of natural selection. We will then
understand that an exclusively Darwinian framework is maybe unable to address the
problem of evolutionary novelty. In the second chapter, we will see in a Darwinian way
that it is possible to retain the essence of Darwinian theory and to give natural selection a
creative power, although two of the fundamental Darwinians pillars must be questioned. In
the third chapter, we will see in a post-Darwinian way that the cumulative power of natural
selection is maybe unable to explain adaptation at individual level, challenging seriously
the creative power of natural selection. We will then understand that the debate, between
supporters of a positive view and supporters of a negative view of natural selection, may
depend on a particular metaphysical assumption.